The South Bend metro area has a population of over 300,000, with a service area of almost 900,000. It has excellent schools, affordable housing, four seasons, and with the University of Notre Dame, there are numerous cultural and recreational opportunities typically found only in larger communities. In addition, South Bend is just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago, and 30 minutes from Lake Michigan and have over 50 inland lakes in the area. This is an area with a strong economy.